News & Alerts

Shark WARNING for the coast between Hillarys and Trigg

Alert level:
At the beginning of school holidays the Department of Fisheries has issued a shark WARNING for water users in the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan area, for beaches, surf and dive spots, between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Trigg Point after an increased number of reported shark sightings over the last few days.

Situation:

UPDATE 5 July:

• There have been a total of nine public sighting reports of large sharks from Thursday 30 June to Tuesday 5 July in the 2.5km stretch between Mettams Pool, and Watermans Bay.
• It is possible that the frequency and duration of the recent reported sightings may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in this area.
• The initial warning issued on Sunday night was following seven public sighting reports of large sharks from Thursday 30 June to Sunday 3 July in the 2.5km stretch between Mettams Pool, and Watermans Bay.

What to do:

• Reconsider swimming, surfing or diving, in the area between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Trigg Point.
• In the Perth metropolitan area, don’t swim, surf or dive around large schools of fish.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to response agencies so beaches can be closed if needed, and is available to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
• Obey any beach closures in place.
• During winter many beaches are not patrolled fulltime, so water users need to take responsibility for their actions by staying up to date - Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.